Kanchenjunga Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft):
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Sightseeing of World Heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Sukhetar. Trek to Lali Kharka (2220m/7282ft) an hour flight:
From Kathmandu we take a flight to Sukhetar. On reaching Sukhetar we make all the preparations for the forthcoming journey. After refreshment, we head to Lali Kharka with the trekking crew. On the trails, we walk by rich pastures and pristine settlements. After several descents for 2-3 hours, we arrive at Lali Kharka. O/N Camping in Lali Kharka (AP)

Day 04: Trek to Keswa (2100m/6888ft), 6-7 hrs: 
As we traverse along the steep route to Pokhara village, fascinating terraced farmland unfolds soon after crossing a suspension bridge above the Phewa Khola. The route further leads to Kunjari where we halt for lunch. After lunch, we continue following the trekking trail. We get to see lush forests and sometimes a small village located on a hill, as we progress along the trail. On skirting along a gently sloping mountain path, we reach Tambawa and later Bhanjyang, where we spot several teahouses. At this point, we can capture mesmerizing sight of Kanchenjunga glowing against the sun. After having trekked for 5-6 hours, we conclude the day’s trip, enjoy hot tea and snack at camp site. O/N Camping in Keswa (AP)

Day 05: Trek to Mamanke (2000m/6560ft), 6 hrs:
Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, we follow an adventurous route to Nandeva Khola. After crossing the river, we trudge along the glaciated mountain passes. Further ahead, the route winds through dense forest and the village of Loppoding. We come across shaded areas where we can rest for a while after strenuous walk. The graceful trail then takes us to the right bank of the Kabeli Khola. After a while, terraced fields reappear and the village of Anpan comes into view. We continue ascending till we reach Ponpe Dhara. There are shady spots on the way where we can have a short rest. As we proceed along the trail, we see several hamlets and terraced fields stretch along the crest of the ridge. There is a rest area where we can pause for a while to bask in the fascinating sight of Mt. Jannu. We continue our descent along the winding path, as we pass through the village of Anpan and terraced fields along Khangwa Khola (River). We arrive at a suspension bridge; these metal bridges are the lifeline of local people connects mountains between mountain and hills. We cross the bridge and continue descending the undulating mountain passes till we reach the village of Mamanke. O/N Camping in Mamanke (AP)

Day 06: Trek to Yamphudin (1650m/5412ft), 6 hrs:
Beginning with an easy climb, the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. We cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a couple of hours before Yamphudin. Along the way, we can stop to bathe in one of the many clear pools in this beautiful river. It is a truly idyllic spot and after lunch by the river, we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement of the ethic community in this area and the last habitation we will see until we reach Gunsa. Needless to say, it is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of the Deorali Danda, which we must cross next. O/N Camping in Yamphudin

Day 07: Trek to Lamite Jungle camp (2920m/9578ft), 6 hrs:
Beyond Yamphudin, the trail ascends a steep spur before dropping again to cross the Imje Khola. Walking through a beautiful and dense forest, we stop for lunch in a meadow atop this spur, which commands fine views of the valley beyond Yamphudin to the south and of the Imje Khola Valley and Deorali Danda to the north. A steep descent to the river brings us to our campsite in a clearing in the Lamite forest. Enjoy the freshly cook delicious dinner by Basanta Adventure chef. O/N Camping in Lamite Jungle Camp (AP)

Day 08: Trek to Torontan (3080m/10102ft), 6 hrs:
From our campsite we ascend steeply for 3 hours through dense forest to the crest of the Deorali Danda. From the top, Mt Jannu is clearly visible. After crossing the pass, we descend across some fairly steep and exposed screen slopes before re-entering the forest, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, a steep descent takes us down into the valley of the Simbua Khola and after crossing an interesting wooden bridge, we arrive at Torontan. This campsite lies amongst the towering fir trees of what is now a mainly coniferous alpine forest. O/N Camping in Torontan (AP)

Day 09: Trek to Tseram (3750m/12300ft), 5 hrs:
This morning, we follow the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) forests. The trail is fairly steep and, as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peep over the moraine. We camp at Tseram, where night-time temperature plummets, reminding us that we are really gaining height. O/N Camping in Tseram (AP)

Day 10: Trek to Ramche (4360m/14300t), 3 hrs:
A relatively short days walk today to our next camp at Ramche. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this walk into Ramche which is situated on a broad, flat ablation zone. O/N Camping in Ramche (AP)

Day 11: Ramche – Exploration:
Leaving our camp at Ramche, we take a packed lunch and set off very early for our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, we come across the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 kms long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. These three summits, jutting out into the sky presents a really grand sight. Proceeding further on towards Oktang [4630m], we descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can see the panoramic view of the mountains in the area. Especially impressive is the eastern part of Kumbhakarna Glacier flowing from the east face of Jannu (Kumbhakarna being the local name for Jannu). We then return to our camp at Ramche. O/N Camping in Ramche (AP)

Day 12: Trekking beyond the Mirgin La (5002m/16407ft), 6-7 hrs:
Leaving our campsite, we trek down the valley, passing the small settlement of Lapsang, before turning off towards the Mirgin La - the pass we must cross in order to reach Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. As we descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt Jannu, are simply magnificent. Our campsite will be somewhere beyond the pass. Our guide will organize a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N Camping (AP)

Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Day 13: Trek to Gunsa (3475m/11398ft), 6 hrs:
A steep descent from our campsite brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more splendid views of the awesome south west face of Jannu. From here, the going is easy. Descending on an excellent trail to the village of Gunsa, where we camp in the fields by the river. Gunsa is a Tibetan village where many Tibetan crossed into Nepal and have settled down, with a tiny Gompa and prayer flags fluttering atop the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walk of the previous days and provides an excellent opportunity to visit a strange local hostelry and sample the 'tongba' (alcoholic beverage fermented out of millet). O/N Camping in Gunsa (AP)

Day 14: Trek to Kyapra (2300m/7544ft), 4 hrs:
From Gunsa, our route out of the mountains follows the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas (River) and passes through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. We pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and, an hour or so further on, we camp in the forest at a spot called Tang. O/N Camping in Kyapra (AP)

Day 15: Trek to Sakathum (1600m/5248ft), 5 hrs:
Heading for the village of Sakathum, our route follows an undulating trail for the first couple of hours until we reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which we can see the Gunsa Khola Valley stretched out before us. We camp in the fields of Sakathum. O/N Camping in Sakathum (AP)

Day 16: Trek to Chirwa (1180m/3870ft), 5 hrs:
Leaving  Sakathum, we head to Chirwa. En route we meet the confluence of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola at Tamur Koshi. On following the trail along Tamur Khola, many other small tributary streams come our way. After trekking for about 4-5 hours we enter the pristine village of Chirwa. O/N Camping in Chirwa (AP)

Day 17: Trek to Phurumba (2000m/6560ft), 7 hrs:
The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. On reaching Mitlung, we halt for a healthy lunch. Then our trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours we come to the valley of Phurumba. We camp at Phurumba for the night. O/N Camping in Phurumba (AP)

Day 18: Trek to Taplejung – Sukhetar (2300m/7544ft), 5-6 hrs:
As we leave the valley, we continue ascending along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. We can wander around the village getting familiar with village life, cultural richness, customs and local people. Thereafter, after leisurely ascents for about 2 hour, we finally reach the airstrip at Sukhetar where we conclude the trip of the day. This will be our last night with your trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N Camping in Sukhetar (AP)

Day 19: Fly Sukhetar – Biratnagar – Kathmandu:
Enjoy your last breakfast cook by chef and say good bye to our camping crew as we fly back to Biratnagar and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 20: Day at leisure in Kathmandu:
Leisure day.  You have a free day to shop around nearby shops.

Day 21: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.